Natalie Gibbins, certified personal trainer and owner of The Private Gym in Ocean Beach, is seeking 10 individuals to participate in an upcoming weight-loss study.

The goal of the study is to verify the effectiveness of the Momenta program, a UK-based program which is being jointly piloted in the U.S. in conjunction with The American Council On Exercise, designed to help participants lose a clinically significant amount of weight, said Gibbins. The study consists of 12 weekly, one-hour meetings delivered in a warm, supportive, small group setting.

The causes of obesity, now considered a disease by the American Medical Association, are many and varied. But in the vast majority of cases, the Momenta program can be an extremely effective and appropriate intervention for otherwise healthy overweight or obese individuals before more aggressive and risky options like pharmaceutical or surgical interventions are considered, Gibbins said.

The program uses fun, educational and stimulating activities to help participants discover the true dynamics of their nutrition and physical activity choices. Participants discover unconscious habits and automatic behaviors, which may be the root cause of their weight management challenge.

A unique and individual action plan is developed and implemented over the course of the 12 weeks, which is designed to lead to life-long weight management success with all of its attendant benefits. No exercise is involved during the sessions, but participants are encouraged to incorporate enjoyable physical activities outside of the sessions.

To be eligible for consideration, participants must:

• have a body mass index of 25-40;

• be 18 years of age or older;

• be healthy;

• commit to attending all 12 consecutive sessions;

• be willing to be weighed (privacy and anonymity strictly enforced);

• and be willing to keep a journal (privacy and anonymity strictly enforced).

A free information session about the study will be held at The Private Gym, located at 4895 Voltaire St. The program is scheduled to begin in January.